Katharine Hepburn Brownies

Have you ever heard of Katharine Hepburn brownies? I will admit it- I had never heard of them up until just a few weeks ago. After coming across the recipe on Pinterest, I was intrigued to say the least. I immediately put them on my must-bake list because I was eager to find out why Katharine Hepburn cherished her family's brownie recipe so much. Probably because it yields incredibly delicious brownies packed with chopped walnuts, if I had to guess.  

When I got home from work this evening, there were a few people handing out brownies in the lobby of my apartment building. Although I usually have a hard time turning away baked goods, I was able to do so this time. I decided I would rather save the calories and have two of these Katharine Hepburn brownies instead. Best. decision. ever. 

Katherine Hepburn Brownies

Recipe adapted from Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan (via Brown Eyed Baker)

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small chunks

2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. 

Place the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until completely melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat. 

Add the sugar to the bowl and whisk until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla. Continue to whisk until fully incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour, salt and chopped walnuts. Mix until just combined. 

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the pan of brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.